Shrapnel Aiming to Explode on Metal Scene

Desiree Mendez, staff writer

The members of Shrapnel may be young, but they have a lot to say.
The philosophical message of their music issues a challenge: “There is a revolution in progress, and everyone should be brave enough to push their thought process to the limit in order to evolve to their fullest potential.”

The members of the band include: Aaron Canady, lead vocals and rhythm guitar; Evan Canady, lead guitar and backup vocals; Greg Stewart; drums; and Gustavo Calderon, bass.

The band started in 1999 while Evan and Aaron were attending Monterey High School. That is where they also met Stewart. Calderon is originally from Bogotá, Columbia. The band has been together for two years with the current line up.

“ In finding a band name, we were looking for something that would stick in people’s minds when they heard it, as well as reflect the genre of music that we play,” says Evan Canady.

The name Shrapnel also relates to metal music and fits the description of the band’s shows. When people hear the name Shrapnel, they can automatically make a safe assumption about what to expect.

“Shrapnel is a very explosive word that immediately describes our music and our performances,” Aaron Canady says. “This way, it makes it easier for the listeners to relate what they heard to our band name.”

Shrapnel has a wide range of influences, from old-school rock to modern rock.

“It all started with the love of music, especially heavy and melodic rock bands,” Evan Canady said. “ The yearning to accomplish what out childhood idols did pushed us to start playing and develop our skills.”

Eventually, the desire grew to the point where they wanted to devote their lives to music and make it their profession.

They write all of their own music. Evan and Aaron start with writing the guitar riffs, and then they show what they came up with to Gustavo and Greg before putting all the ideas together.

Shrapnel believes that survival of metal is at stake. They plan to fine tune artistically by raising the standard with a complex form of songwriting.

Their mission seems to be working, judging from the increasing number of people who attend their shows.

Shrapnel released their first CD, “Revolution in Progress,” in November 2004. It was recorded in Austin with David M. Dreeson.

Shrapnel is different from other bands because of how they mix melody with the heavy side of metal.

“We would describe it as a heavy-melodic-progressive metal,” said Stewart.

For those who have never heard Shrapnel, they would describe themselves as old school metal influenced with a modern progressive sound.

“ I would have to say two cups of heavy metal and melodicism and one cup technicality,” Calderon added.

The music that they write reflects their attitude and the feelings they have toward life, society and the drama that comes with it.

“Our music reflects every aspect of our lives, where we want to be and where we are today,” explained Aaron Canady.

For those thinking of starting a band, their advice is to be persistent, and “true to your conformity.”

“Depending on how serious they are, learn your instrument, be yourself and market and play as much as possible,” added Evan Canady.

In order for a band to start in the music industry, you must build relationships and learn how to grow as a family. But most of all you have to have fun, according to members of Shrapnel.

“ Practice a lot and feed off of your band mates’ energy and knowledge,” added Calderon.

“Shrapnel loves music so much because it is the most effective and influential art of life,” said Evan Canady. “It is a universal language that everyone can understand and it also helps develop personalities, it is also an escape from reality.”

The band loves to perform because they love the reaction that they get from their fans when they are on stage.

“They do not consider themselves rock stars, because everyone is a rock star at heart,” said Stewart.

The band likes to have one-on-one time with their fans. They love to hang out and goof around with their fans. But most of all, they enjoy just taking the time to talk to the fans. It is their biggest priority.

As for advice for bands to survive in the music industry, Shrapnel members offer to be careful and have fun.

“Well, it is too early in the life of Shrapnel to advise other bands how to survive in this field,” stated Calderon. “We have yet to encounter the “monster”.”

 If the guys could pick one of their songs for the world to hear, it would be, “Buried Facedown,” according to Evan Canady. They picked this song because it takes the melodic and heavy sounds and intertwines them.

You can listen to this song on their myspace page, www.myspace.com/shrapnel.

Shrapnel sees themselves hopefully headlining their own arena tours in the future.

In a very short amount of time the band has been together they have accomplished a lot.  Songs from their first record have been used as soundtracks for MTV’s “Real World” and “Road Rules Challenge,” as well as on the CST Ford Mustang Website.

Check out their myspace page and their web site www.shrapnel-online.com.